Dubai's AV Taxis

In July 2020, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ranked eighth in KPMG’s annual Autonomous Vehicles Readiness Index, performing well in technology infrastructure and the willingness of its people and government to embrace driverless cars.

Cruise, an Autonomous Vehicle (AV) company backed by General Motors, is getting ready to launch its robotaxi service in Dubai very soon, with plans to have up to 4,000 vehicles in operation by 2030.

Officials are wanting 25% of all taxi trips in Dubai to completed by AV taxis, buses and copters by 2030.

​RTA Director General, Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, said: “Selfdriving vehicles contribute to raising the level of traffic safety on the roads, as human error is the main cause of more than 90 percent of accidents.

“It is also distinguished by being environmentally friendly electric vehicles, capable of serving a large segment of customers, specifically ​the category of senior citizens, residents and owners.”

AV taxis are also being trialled in Abu Dhabi. This trial service will be provided from 8am to 8pm free of charge.

​Whilst the vehicles are in trial stage, a safety officer will be positioned in the driver’s seat so as to compensate if any issues arise.

More news in our May 2021 Edition here.